How Do You Relieve TMJ Pain?

TMJ pain can be very disruptive to everyday life. If you are suffering from it, then you know this all too well.

It stems from your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) which is located on each side of your head near your ears. Every time you move your jaw, such as to talk, chew, yawn, or laugh, you are doing so thanks to this joint.

For various reasons, the TMJ can begin to dysfunction and cause pain. What can you do about it? How do you relieve TMJ pain?

The Need for TMJ Treatment

TMJ pain is often intermittent and can range from very mild to severe. But it is important to note that while it may go away on its own, the pain will return unless you get to the root cause of it. And that means seeking treatment from a professional. Just look at the benefits:

A reduction or elimination of jaw pain
Improved oral health
Better sleep
Ability to indulge in your favorite foods
Enhanced appearance and mood

Just knowing that you don’t have to worry about your pain coming back is enough to provide a sense of peace.

Treatment for TMJ Pain

What types of treatment are available for TMJ pain? It all depends on the level of pain and the reason for it. Working with a highly skilled dental team can ensure that you get the personalized treatment you need to find relief.

For instance, those with very mild TMJ pain may find that treatment at home is all that is needed. This includes giving your jaw a rest by eating soft foods, applying cold compresses to the area, and taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication.

Those patients who are looking to heal their TMJ and reclaim their quality of life can benefit from the below treatment options.

Stabilization Splints

Many patients who deal with TMJ pain also have bruxism which refers to clenching the jaw or grinding the teeth. This most often occurs at night and many do not even realize it is happening — but they end up dealing with the pain in their joints throughout the day.

Stabilization splints work to reduce the impact of bruxism while sleeping. They are worn while sleeping and keep the jaw in its current position. A soft cushion acts as a barrier to halt tooth-on-tooth contact.

When used routinely, these splints can be a highly effective treatment option.

Botox Injections

Botox injections may be used for cosmetic purposes, but they can also be very effective for treating medical issues like muscle spasms and migraine headaches. It has become more commonly used for the treatment of TMJ pain offering patients the relief they need.

Surgical Treatment

Surgical treatment may be necessary for severe TMJ dysfunction. This may be used to treat more complex bite adjustments or to replace the joint entirely. While most patients find success with less-invasive TMJ treatments, the surgical option is always there for those who do not.

Frequently Asked Questions about TMJ

What if I do not treat my TMJ?

TMJ pain may go away temporarily, but without treatment, it is likely to return — and may get worse over time.

Can TMJ disorder change your face?

Yes, TMJ disorder has the potential to change your face if the jaw alignment is not balanced.

Find TMJ Pain Relief with Minoli & Vijay

Get relief from your TMJ pain with Minoli & Vijay, DDS PC on the Upper East Side NYC. With personalized treatment utilizing anti-inflammatory medications, stabilization splints, and Botox injections, we can help restore your quality of life.